GIO 2018 IWRF Wheelchair Rugby World Championship

The opportunity to attend the World Wheelchair Rugby Championships being held in Australia 2018, is a great honour for everyone involved. As a player, squad member or staff member it is an opportunity that only comes around once every 4 years and is played amongst the top twelve teams in the world. Although the event is not as well-known as the Paralympics, the World Championships of Wheelchair Rugby are just as prestigious and competitive as any other top World Championship event.

The team selected for the World Championship is built on the Wheel Blacks successful performance at the qualifying tournament in Switzerland earlier this year. The 2018 Wheel Black team have been training together for three years as a squad, developing a team culture of growth and grit that will see it reach it goals. With Clayton Utia returning from injury and Mike Todds return completing the Wheel Blacks team, they have continued to prepare and train hard for the best result possible at the Worlds.

The Wheel Blacks could not achieve the success they do without the support of volunteers. Volunteers are with them along the journey providing support at trainings, as well as at competitions. They are incredibly generous of their time for the success of the sport and are vital in supporting the team to reach its goals.

Volunteer Staff & Team Support

Andrew Chittock - Coach

Sacha Wright - Team Manager

Brent Van-Moon - Sport Psychologist

Greg Mitchell - Mechanic

Kelly Chittock - Video Analysis

Zuzana Vaculova - Carer

NZ Wheelchair Rugby, the playing community and its volunteers wish the Wheel Blacks team all the best with their games at the World Wheelchair Rugby Championship. The New Zealand public are great supporters of wheelchair rugby and continue to donate to our sport allowing the Wheel Blacks to compete at this high level, the Wheel Blacks want to make all supporters proud and hope NZ public can watch and support the games which will be livestreamed here. The first game is against Australia, 5th of August at 2pm AEST (4pm NZST).